LOVE

Lust, at its most basic, is the evolutionary need for reproduction. To achieve this, the hypothalamus (a small region in the brain) releases the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen to increase libido—which contrary to stereotypes—are both present in both sexes.

Attachment is predominant in long-term relationships, friendships, and other kinds of bonds. It mainly releases two hormones: endorphins and serotonin. Endorphins relieve stress and are our body's natural painkillers, released by the hypothalamus, and serotonin regulates body functions and mood. During longer-term relationships, the emotional rollercoaster caused by a number of hormones begins to calm down. Specifically, cortisol levels lower and serotonin levels rise.

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Seeing love in a scientific sense can let us see both its positive and negatives, rather than the rosy picture that is in the media we consume. The hormones released when falling in love can also lead to loss of appetite, insomnia, almost addiction-like feelings, and impulsive decisions. Specifically, dopamine is released during the attraction stage and is responsible for addiction to alcohol and drugs, making love feel euphoric in the same way. Love also shuts down the neural machinery that allows us to make critical assessments of people, “the neural basis for the ancient wisdom ‘love is blind’,” said Schwartz. It's good to be aware of these effects and not fall into unhealthy habits or relationships, especially when love can blind people from abuse or mistreatment.

Attraction is the process of falling in love. It involves the hypothalamus releasing dopamine, a part of the reward system; this system teaches us to associate an action, like being with someone you love, with a feeling of joy (a dopamine release). Additionally, oxytocin, known as the love-hormone, "provokes feelings of contentment, calmness, and security" (Harvard Medical School) and is often released by skin-to-skin contact.

These hormones also cause negative responses: dopamine can cause a loss of appetite and insomnia, and ironically, attraction is linked to lower serotonin levels, a chemical associated with happiness. Harvard Medical School professor Richard Schwartz connects low serotonin levels to the “intrusive, maddeningly preoccupying thoughts, hopes, terrors of early love”